unit 0 prologue 16-18

Han Dynasty

The Chinese dynasty that declined in the 3rd century, leading to three centuries of turmoil and disunity.

Sui Dynasty

The short-lived dynasty (581-618) that reconstituted a centralized government and ended China's period of troubles.

Grand Canal

A major construction of the Sui Dynasty that connected the agricultural south to the population centers in the north, fostering economic growth and unifying diverse ethnic groups.

Tang Dynasty

The dynasty (618-907) that expanded China's boundaries and saw significant population growth due to agricultural advancements.

Civil Service Exam

An examination system expanded under the Tang Dynasty that became a key feature of the Chinese bureaucracy.

Gunpowder

An invention during the Tang Dynasty that contributed to military advancements and trade facilitation.

Tributary System

A system developed by the Chinese where surrounding kingdoms paid tribute in exchange for trading privileges, reflecting China's view as the "Middle Kingdom."

Song Dynasty

The dynasty (960-1279) that restored order after the Tang collapse and continued China's golden age with advancements in manufacturing and philosophy.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical movement that blended Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist ideas, gaining popularity during the Song Dynasty.

Shogun

The military general at the top of Japan's political hierarchy during the decentralized period of powerful clans.

Daimyos

Powerful landlords in Japan who controlled land and had samurai warriors pledged to serve them.

Samurai

Warriors in Japan who served the daimyos and were part of the hierarchical social structure.

Shinto

The official religion of Japan centered on ancestor veneration and nature spirits, coexisting with Buddhism.

Bantu Migrations

The movement of Bantu-speaking people from west central Africa that spread language, farming techniques, and ironworking knowledge.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade routes that developed across the Sahara, significantly benefiting the kingdom of Ghana through taxation and protection of trade.

Dar al-Islam

The term for regions where Islam is practiced, reflecting the spread of Islam in West Africa due to trade.

Great Zimbabwe

A large kingdom in southeast Africa that dominated the region between the 12th and 15th centuries, known for its trade and wealth.

Gupta Empire

The Indian empire that fell in 550, leading to disunity and conflict in South Asia.

Indian Ocean Trade

Trade network that made India a hub for exchanging goods like silks, spices, and enslaved people, influenced by monsoon patterns.

Spread of Islam

The influence of Muslim merchants in Southeast Asia, leading to Islam becoming the dominant religion in regions like the Spice Islands and Malay peninsula.